Prerequisites

Learning Objectives

This course is an introduction to database research.
After completing this course, you should be able to:

Read systems papers critically.

Explain how modern database research fits into the historical context.

Identify open research problems in data management systems.

Write constructive paper reviews.

Design a research project to address an open research problem.

Carry out a research project and present results both orally and in writing.

Coursework includes the following components:

Reading and discussing classic and current research papers.

Homework assignments focusing on research methodology.

Three quizzes (each one-half class).

Research Project of your choice.

Mock Program Committee: reviewing your classmates' research papers.

The readings fall into three main categories. We will begin with a tour
through database history beginning with the context that preceded the
dawning of the relational age.
We will explore some of the core areas of modern database systems
such as concurrency control and recovery and then explore alternate data
models. Next, we will focus on some modern challenges confronting
the database research communite today: provenance, graphical data,
and large scale data and distribution.
Throughtout, our goal is to focus both on content and research
methodology.

The course culminates with a research project, where students practice the
art of database research.
There will be several deliverables on the way to a final project, including
(but not limited to) a research statement, a research plan,
an extended abstract,
a final paper, and an oral presentation.
At each stage of the process, I will provide detailed feedback and suggestions.

Course Requirements

20% Class Participation (including reading write-ups)

15% Quizzes (three quizzes; 5% each)

15% Homework Assignments

50% Final Project

Course Policies

No late work

Projects may be completed in teams (homeworks must be completed independently unless
you receive permission).